Power System Coordinator

Southern Company • Lithia Springs, GA

2d

About The Position

Power System Coordinators (PSCs) at the Transmission Control Center provide safe and reliable real-time operation of the Georgia Integrated Transmission System in accordance with NERC Reliability Standards and established guidelines and procedures. The PSC directs operations for an assigned area of the state, including switching to establish safe clearances for construction and maintenance, monitoring system alarms and equipment conditions, maintaining reliable system voltages, and responding to system events to isolate faults and restore customer service. The role also involves notifying affected stakeholders and directing field employees during routine and emergency switching operations.

The Transmission Control Center operates 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. PSCs work rotating 12-hour shifts, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays, and may need to work outside their normal shift hours during callouts, emergencies, and severe weather. The position requires occasional travel and overnight stays fewer than five times per year. Candidates must live within commuting distance of Lithia Springs, Georgia, or be willing to relocate there; relocation assistance may be considered depending on circumstances. The role may be filled at exempt level 4E, 5E, or 6E depending on the candidate’s knowledge, skills, and experience.

Successful candidates receive five weeks of formal preparation for NERC Transmission Operator Certification, which is required for continued employment. After certification, they complete a structured six-month training program, including classroom instruction, computer simulation, and on-the-job training with experienced operators. Evening and weekend study is required during training. Candidates are expected to develop in the role and progress to Senior PSC, demonstrating the required performance, behavioral, and technical competencies.

The position falls under the company’s Insider Threat Program and provides access to and control over sensitive systems. Selected candidates must complete enhanced screening, including background, drug, and psychological assessments, and obtain Critical Infrastructure Protection and Insider Threat Program security clearance. The successful candidate must also comply with Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Standards of Conduct and Separation Protocol requirements.

Requirements

• Work a 24x7 rotating shift schedule of 12-hour shifts, including days, nights, holidays, and weekends.
• Live within commuting distance of Lithia Springs, Georgia, or relocate to within commuting distance of the metro Atlanta area.
• Work outside normal shift hours during callouts, emergencies, and severe weather events.
• Become NERC certified as a Transmission Operator.
• Complete structured in-house and on-the-job training and achieve shift readiness.
• Complete annual NERC compliance training requirements.
• Pass the Edison Electric Institute System Operator/Power Dispatcher (SO/PD) II Test or have previously been grandfathered for the test requirement.
• Obtain Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) and Insider Threat Program (ITP) security clearance.
• Adhere to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Standards of Conduct and Separation Protocol.
• Be comfortable working indoors and sitting or standing for long periods.
• Demonstrate teamwork, customer focus, and professional customer-service etiquette.
• Use problem-solving and decision-making skills under time pressure and work in a self-directed manner.
• Learn and apply complex power-system monitoring and control software applications.
• Remain calm during high-volume activities and system emergencies.
• Demonstrate attention to detail, personal integrity, and commitment to safety excellence.
• Foster an inclusive environment and build trusting relationships.

Nice To Haves

• Engineering or another degree program, or certifications involving electric power systems.
• Electric power utility experience, particularly in power generation, transmission, distribution, engineering, or transmission-line and substation construction.
• Experience as an operator in a control-room environment or working rotating shifts.
• Knowledge of electrical system operations, equipment, procedures, and switching.
• NERC Transmission Operator Certification and/or knowledge of the Georgia Integrated Transmission Systems (ITS) Redbook.
• Enjoyment of developing others through on-the-job or formal training.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily switching to establish safe clearances for construction and maintenance activities.
• Monitor system alarms for loading, outages, and equipment issues.
• Maintain system voltages at reliable levels.
• Respond to real-time system events to isolate faults and restore service to customers.
• Notify affected stakeholders during system events.
• Direct field personnel in switching activities during routine and emergency conditions.
• Write and issue switching instructions.
• Manage clearances on transmission lines and equipment.
• Meet NERC reliability requirements and ensure accurate retention of outage and switching records.
• Coordinate transmission resources.
• Coordinate generation resources.
• Document and track equipment discrepancies.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary.
• Annual incentive awards for eligible employees.
• Health, welfare, and retirement benefits supporting physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being.
• Potential eligibility for additional compensation through an incentive program, subject to applicable plan terms and conditions.
• Relocation assistance may be considered depending on circumstances.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed